Off Topic Discussions

[Key-J]

Hey Red Team Hivemind!,

I need to ask for your help! I'm thinking of taking my wife on a long-weekend getaway at the end of September this year to celebrate our anniversary. Since we are from Canada, and in September it starts to drop in temperature, I am looking at some destinations south of us in the USA. (Pretty much practicing becoming a Snowbird 😛 )

What my wife would really like is warmth & sunshine. We will probably also look for a body of water, but that could even be a hotel pool 🤣 - However if we find somewhere that has some character, or a certain attraction of sorts that would be a super bonus!

This is where you come in!

From my limited research, places like Palm Springs, Napa Valley, Arizona & Las Vegas constantly pop up - but I feel like I am missing out on so many more options.

So I am really hoping that you might be able to rave me of some places, towns or cities that I should consider and look up that would be great for a 3/4 day getaway! Bonus if it is closer to the West Coast but not a requirement.

Thanks in advanced!

[johnnyenglish]

Now thats cool, I almost went on a crazy route 66 style just to end up in Vegas but 2020 lockdown happened... 

My only trip to the States was a 2 week in Manhattan, in september, It was quite hot that year and I'm used to 36-40 ish summer time.

If you end up in Vegas, give me Feedback 😄

[Vynski]

Are you driving or flying?

if your flying I would suggest Hawaii.  Home ported out of Pearl while in the Navy.  A ton of things I'm sure have changed in 50 years so take that with a grain of salt.  

If your driving Mobile Bay, Alabama.  Although that is quite a drive for 3 or 4 days. 

[Key-J]

We will be flying! So we can cover any distance really. But since it is a long weekend type getaway, we were hoping to keep it West Coast - but it does seem like there is more to offer on the East.

[Amber_AMD]

I think I'm a little shocked that Texas isn't on your list!! (JK the beaches aren't that great if water is a goal for your trip)

Have you thought about going to Hawaii? I've never been but always wanted to go... pictures are breathtaking.

Also, there are lots of great places in Florida! Miami is super fun or you could go up north to somewhere like Panama City. If you go at the right time, it can be private and a much smaller and cute town than Miami where all the hustle and bustle is. 

Unfortunately, those are the best recs I've got as I've only been to Washington State, Florida, Texas, California, New York, and Arizona. And to be honest, I don't recommend Arizona. The dry heat is miserableeeeeeee. California is pretty but can be pricy. That's a @Sam_AMD question since he used to live there 🙂 

[Key-J]

I know my wife would love to go to Hawaii, but this would not be the best time. In the fall, and for a weekend :P.

I have been looking at Texas, but my wife says it might be a bit farther than she wanted. That is why I mentioned trying to keep West Coast for a weekend trip. Places like Florida, South Carolina etc all sound good, but also far away and from my research during potential hurricane season 😱

Maybe I should just go to the Ozarks, I heard they made a great family-friendly TV show about it 😉 😛

[eebiii]

Aspen, CO

[Sam_AMD]

Here is my personal list of places to visit in the US, keeping in mind the month of September, and some water nearby:

1) California - Yosemite Park (That's all I have to say about that! Just google it. I'm planning on going there this August with my boy)

2) California - Lake Tahoe (I love this place. Lakes, Casinos, Sierras, Skiing/snowboarding, good food, and a decent nightlife).

3) Texas - Austin (It was in the Top 10 Best City to live in. Colorado River/kayaking, tons of parks, hiking, live music, BBQ, camping, and AMD HQ). You'll probably return home with a pair of boots and a cowboy hat.

4) California - Venice Beach/Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, or Manhattan Beach. (Simply put, you'll be at the beach! And that's all you'll be doing, going to the beach, I lived by the beach, so I know, about beaches). By the way, you could visit Hollywood while staying at any of these beach cities). 

5) Arizona - Grand Canyon (It's a majestic, unforgettable place - there's a reason why it's part of the 7 wonders of the world. If you go here, then be sure to take a day trip to the petrified forest and the meteor site)

6) California - Napa Valley (it's close to San Francisco - where I left my heart. That said, beautiful wineries, lots of greenery, quite, romantic, and you could drive to the bay and visit Alcatraz, SF, Golden Gate Bridge, Haight Ashbury, and much more)

Avoid Palm Springs. It has changed a lot, and it's more of a get-away town for the old Hollywood stars and retired rich folks. Yes, there are art shops, music, and even a casino but you'll be over them in a day. 

I hope this helps you @Key-J , and let us know where you end up! (Or decide)

[Key-J]

Thanks Sam! Really appreciate all the suggestions, and I will start looking into them!

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@Sam_AMD wrote:

... 3) Texas - Austin (It was in the Top 10 Best City to live in. Colorado River/kayaking, tons of parks, hiking, live music, BBQ, camping, and AMD HQ). You'll probably return home with a pair of boots and a cowboy hat. ...

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Now, how do I convince my wife that this should be our top destination without her realizing that the item in bold is why it should be our top destination 😛

[Wally_AMD]

Throwing this in as well, the #2 best bbq spot in Texas (according to Texas Monthly in 2021) is in my neck of the woods. 

It. is. delicious.

[Key-J]

Nothing wrong with a good BBQ. I think as long as well stay away from Dalla, which my wife does not like due to traumatizing event at the Airport 🤣 - I might be able to convince her lol